Hello Folks,
Have been looking at some after market products for my Tamiya Marder II. There doesn’t seem to be much available even for the Pz.Kpfw II, but I found a few things.
What I really want, though, is some decent tracks! Which ones can I use? I can’t find any esspecially for the Marder II or Pz.Kpfw II.
Also, how similar are the Marder II and the Wespe? Can I use aftermarket products for the Wespe?
I’d appreciate any help, Thanks, Wacky
Both the Marder and Wespe were built on the Panzer 2 Ausf F chassis but the Wespe was built on a lengthened chassis and had 3 return rollers, wheras the Marder 2 was not on a lengthened chassis but had 4 return rollers.
Despite this, the usability of Wespe parts comes down to how the Tamiya Marder 2 kit hull and running gear scales out in comparison to their newer Wespe. With luck you might be able to use the tracks.
I have both kits, (the Marder built) and I will measure up the tracks for you later.
Thanks Peter! Did you use any tracks, photo-etched or other after market products on your Marder II? I will be getting the Aber tool clamps and clasps but I have yet to find tracks.
Wacky, I rediscovered model making just over a year ago, after a 10 year hiatus. The Marder was built somewhere about 15-20 years ago - and retailers of after market products here in OZ were pretty rare then. Any modifications I made were all scratch built…and the Marder needed a bit of work from memory.
Having a wow of a time now though, with so much to catch up on. Cut my PE teeth on an Aber etch fret, talk about trying to start at the top! The Aber 3 piece clamps are a real [censored][censored] to get right (Hey Bill), but with patience they look good. If you are going to buy a fret of tool clamps only, go for the Eduard Zoom fret. Their clamps are 2 piece and look just as good as Aber’s in the end.
Get back soon with the comparison.
Fruimodel manufactures tracks for this and you might want to check Modelkasten.
Mike
Model Kasten SK25 tracks fit the Tamiya Panzer II. The hull and running gear are identical to the Tamiya Marder II. I used a Friulmodel set on my Pz II and they worked out great. But I don’t remember the number, sorry.
Bill
Wacky, Sorry to take so long, but the Marder was in the very last box in my garage - always happens.
Anyway, the Wespe tracks appear to be 1 or 2 links longer than those on the Marder 2, which isn’t bad because the Wespe tracks are joined by overlapping the last 3 links on each track and sealing the nubs. Maybe you can cut the last 1 or 2 links off the track ends and seal the remaining end. If you cyano the tracks to the running gear it will be strong enough. You can order Tamiya spare parts off the Net (the Japanese site www.rainbowten.com (not sure of the actual address but a search on Rainbow ten should find it) is one place I know of. It’s a cheaper option than buying the Wespe just for tracks or Fruil or Kasten indy tracks, although those tracks are real nice.
have yo tryed searching on Eduards site
Mig Productions makes a resin tarp to cover the open compartment that would look great if you want to depict a vehicle in the winter. His stuff can be found at the mission models website. (I have no connection with the website).
Refering to above:
The number of the Friulmodel tracks I used on my Pz II is ATL-30. The hull and running gear of their Marder II and PzKpfw II F/G are identical. The one problem you will have with either ModelKasten or Friulmodel tracks is that the teeth on the kit drive sprockets are too far apart. You will need to either cutoff the teeth that run under the tracks or replace the kit driver sprockets. Friulmodel has a set of sprockets that work great. The number is AW-20. I used them and the only problem I had was getting the Tamiya nylon wheel bushings glued into the Fruil wheels.
Good luck with your Marder.
Bill